Vikings’ Tackle Set for Dramatic Breakthrough: Insider Drops Surprising Forecast

So here we are again, standing at the crossroads of hope and pragmatism with the Minnesota Vikings heading into a season that’s as much about protecting their youngest quarterback as it is about sheer talent on the field . J.J. McCarthy—fresh-faced, eager, and the NFL’s youngest starting QB—deserves armor that’s as solid as a Norse warrior’s shield. But reality bites: Christian Darrisaw, the Vikings’ star left tackle and one of the best blindside blockers in the league, is still fighting his way back from a brutal ACL and MCL tear . Can the Vikings really count on a “rosy expectation” that he’ll be back by Week 1, or are they setting themselves up for a bumpy ride? The stakes? High. The pressure? Immense. And the question lingers—can a team’s season hinge on the comeback of one lineman, or is that just the kind of drama that makes football the fascinating beast it is?

The Minnesota Vikings will have the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL this season.

As such, they need to make sure that J.J. McCarthy is kept out of harm’s way.

Unfortunately, he might not have one of the best blindside protectors in the league to start the season.

“Christian Darrisaw (ACL) returning for Week 1’s matchup against the [Chicago] Bears is a ‘rosy expectation’ at this point, per Alec Lewis (of The Athletic). Minnesota has commended his progress thus far, but a midseason return is more likely for the star LT,” VikingzFanPage wrote on X.

#Vikings T Christian Darrisaw (ACL) returning for week 1’s matchup against the #Bears is a “rosy expectation” at this point, per @alec_lewis. Minnesota has commended his progress thus far, but a mid season return is more likely for the star LT. pic.twitter.com/Qfl7HHN9Lx

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) July 2, 2025

Darrisaw sustained the injury early last season and had surgery to repair both his ACL and MCL. He’s gone through the lengthy recovery process reportedly with no setbacks.

The Vikings are keeping a close eye on his progress, and he took part in individual drills during minicamp.

Losing Darrisaw was a massive blow for the Vikings last season, and it was painfully evident when the pocket constantly collapsed before Sam Darnold’s eyes in their playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The 26-year-old has been one of the prime pass protectors in the league since the Vikings took him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Vikings went to great lengths this offseason to bolster the interior of their offensive line.

With all the questions surrounding McCarthy, having Darrisaw out there will make a huge difference for head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

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